In my latest National Post column I say if the press take a “UFO expert” seriously we contribute to a general atmosphere of idiocy in public discussion.
“Happiness is a hard master – particularly other people’s happiness. A much harder master, if one isn’t conditioned to accept it unquestioningly, than truth.”
Mustapha Mond in Aldous Huxley Brave New World
“‘How was I,’ I asked innocently. ‘Good?’ ‘A most remarkable performance, Minister, if I may say so,’ he answered with studied ambiguity.”
Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey (after a interview in which, in fact, by announcing a policy Hacker had totally checkmated Sir Humphrey) in Yes Minister Vol. I
“On ne devrait s’étonner que de pouvoir encore s’étonner.” ("The only thing that should astonish us is that we can still be astonished.")
La Rochefoucauld “Réflexions morales #384” in Maximes
In my latest National Post column I say a pointless, petty sneer at a minor policy change shows in microcosm what’s wrong with contemporary politics.
“‘What fun it would be,’ he [Mustapha Mond, Resident World Controller of Western Europe] thought, ‘if one didn’t have to think about happiness.’”
Aldous Huxley Brave New World
His father: “How’d I do?” Barney: “I think you made an unforgettable impression.”
Mordecai Richler Barney's Version (After his vulgar father totally offends his new in-laws)